The Mystery of the Triune Godhead

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*Light*

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Hello Family of God,

The Entirety of this message will be separated into subtopics which are contained within this discussion; this is done in order that my readers better understand the Nature of God more clearly if they may be doubting their knowledge of the Triune God, and if they have a saving relationship with Him.

"Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that [GLORIETH] (Heb. halal -- hithpael participle; "i.e., "TO BOAST") glory in this, that he [UNDERSTANDETH AND KNOWETH ME], that I am the LORD which exercise [lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness], in the earth: for [IN THESE THINGS I DELIGHT], saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

With all the suffering, sorrow, tears, mourning, trials, hardships, betrayals, deaths, and persecutions I have faced in this world; I can say with ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY that God has NEVER forsaken me in any way, nor will He ever do so, and He is Absolutely True to ALL of His Promises. All of us have experienced the failure of human relationships (e.g., "friends, co-workers, family, and even those who profess to be Christians") -- and we've all suffered the betrayal, hatred, failed promises, and those who we thought were "trustworthy" not being there for us when we needed them the most; but God is NOT a man that He should renege on His Promises (see the entire chapter of Psalm 25).

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [FOR I AM PERSUADED], that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from [THE LOVE OF GOD, WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD]." (Romans 8:37-39)

I am always joyful and at peace regardless of what may come ahead in life, and it is NOT because my life is bed or roses: far from it – it is God and Christ who sustains me, and gives me the strength needed to endure the struggles I experience daily when taking up my Cross.

"And [THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL], that they might [KNOW] thee [THE ONLY TRUE GOD], and [JESUS CHRIST], whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)

(Parentheses) within Bible passages cited are used to expound on the word/s in [brackets] which precede the parentheses. ALL CAPS are used for double emphasis; this is my way of saying, "It says what it says, and it means what it means, so don't make any attempts at putting your own spin on it." I urge all my readers to lay aside all presuppositions, conjectures, and personal interpretations (e.g., "eisegesis") before reading this message in its entirety, because to neglect this is demonstrative of pride, folly, and a heart that is not willing to accept the Truth, even when it is clearly revealed to them in Scripture (Prov. 15:14; 18:13; Matt. 12:37; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; 2 Pet. 3:16). The Bible is self-explanatory (i.e., "the best defense of Scripture is Scripture itself") in its interpretation (i.e., "the perspicuity of Scripture"), but even to this day, we find unnecessary criticism from Biblical "scholars" and theologians alike. According to these "brilliant" minded men and women, they ask, "hath God said?" (cf. Gen. 3:1-5; Lev. 18:22; Isa. 66:1-2; Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 15:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 1:9-10; 2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 7).

I. Man's Pride, and The Triune God as the ONLY Savior of mankind.
II. Golden Calves.
III. The Unique Oneness and BEING of The Triune Godhead, which belongs to Him ALONE.
IV. The Immutability of God; and why we can have Absolute Trust in His Promises because of this.
V. The Divine Providence and Absolute Sovereignty of God (Rom. 8:28).
VI. Prayers: A Direct Communication to God through Christ Jesus.
VII. Is God fair? And the True and Righteous Judgments of God (cf. Ps. 19:9).
VIII. Taking out the Trash (The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb Forever Reign Supreme).
IX. The Love of God
X. Eternal Life: Fellowship with God and the Lamb Forever.
XI. Closing Remarks with Exhortations & Encouragements.

[Man's Pride, Free will, and The Triune God as the ONLY Savior of mankind]:

The source of all sin, including all lies and deception, first began in the heaven of heavens; where Lucifer's Pride of his high status (i.e., "which God Himself endowed him with") led to his banishment from the Eternal City. All sins are linked to the sin of Pride (e.g., "covetousness, adultery, murder, theft, etc."), because it focuses on "self" rather than others; and dying to "self" is the GREATER act of service before the Face of God. God is [set apart] from All His Creation (Jn. 17:19), and His children are to be separate from the World by living lives that would parallel life in Heaven, where God is seated – even more so from those who live for the lusts of this fallen world (Jn. 17:15-18; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; 1 Pet. 1:16; 2:9).

Philanthropy (lit., "the love of humanity") is not the supernatural Love that all Genuine Christians possess; because True Love is Divine, Sacrificial, and it warns others of impending Judgment on those with unrepentant hearts (Jude 20-23). Regardless of how much one gives to charities and to the indigent, it will NOT save them from the penalty of their sins. Sacrificial love rids ourselves of pride through our self-denial, and seeks for the care and concern to even those who [hate] us (Matt. 5:43-48; Rom. 12:20-21). Even the unregenerate possess a universal love (Grk. phileo; i.e., "brotherly love, or love towards friends") – but they do not possess Divine Love, and this comes from a heart of a sinner who has first been shown the Extraordinary Mercy, Forgiveness, and the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (cf. Lam. 3:22-23; Jn. 3:16; 13:34-35; 15:13; Rom. 5:8; Eph. 2:4-5; 1 Jn. 4:19).

"For [the Son of man] is come to save that which was lost." (Matthew 18:11)

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for [I AM MEEK AND LOWLY IN HEART]: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Continued next post . . .
 

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"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But [made himself of no reputation], and took upon him [the form of a servant], and was made in [the likeness of men]: And being found in [fashion as a man], [he humbled himself], and became [obedient unto death, even the death of the cross]." (Philippians 2:5-8)

Jesus Christ was the PERFECT example of True Humility and Obedience, and we see it all throughout His Ministry of Reconciliation. Jesus often referred to Himself in the [Third Person] (e.g., "the Son of Man, Jesus Christ") – and this was an act of His Humility on display. ONLY Jesus Christ can refer to Himself as being [meek and lowly in heart] because this is True of Him; and for Him to deny this would make Him a "liar" – and we know that such is Impossible. His Deity is often questioned by the unregenerate when asking Christians, "If He was God, then why didn't He tell people plainly that He is God, and that He is to be worshipped? That would have cleared up all the confusion regarding His Deity." Such questions arise from ignorance of what the Holy Scriptures speak concerning the Incarnation of Christ; who is the Second Member of the Triune Godhead (Phil. 2:5-8).

"And, behold, one came and said unto him, [GOOD] (Grk. agathou) Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, [WHY CALLEST THOU ME GOOD?] there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:16-17)

Jesus did NOT tell the rich man that He was NOT Good, but raised the question to help the young ruler understand that God ALONE is to be [Worshipped] by ALL men; and Christ, who took the form of a [humble servant] (Grk. doulos; lit., "a slave") referred to His Father as [His God] in like manner, to [Fulfill All Righteousness] as the PERFECT MAN, and to Impute His Righteousness unto sinful men and women (cf. Matt. 3:15; 27:46; Jn. 20:17; Rom. 4:21-25; Rev. 3:12). Those who are of this world serve self. God is the ONLY Being in existence who is TRULY [worthy] of our Worship, and there are "infinite" amount of reasons why this is Purely True. Instead of due Worship to his God, the Devil's pride was the impetus which consequently led him to covet the Throne of His Maker, and this set in motion all other sins that led to the fall of the human race (cf. Isa. 14:11-17; Mk. 7:21-23; Jas. 1:13-15; 1 Jn. 2:16).

"For thus saith [THE HIGH AND LOFTY ONE] that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." (Isaiah 57:15)

ONLY God can refer to Himself as HIGH AND LOFTY, because this is TRUE of Him; and He would be a "liar" if this was not True of Him. Then we have in stark contrast, the autonomy of man, and now the rise of feminism in politics and the church visible in today's world.

"You can do anything if you [believe in yourself] and try hard enough."

We've all heard this "inspirational" quote uttered millions of times, but does this qualify as an objective truth? Isn't this what the Devil thought to himself? Those who rely upon themselves and their own efforts to "achieve" a set goal reveal the degree of their self-worth and pride. The arch-deceiver has fooled himself into believing that there may be a glimmer of hope that he may actually succeed at usurping the Everlasting Throne of the Almighty, but we all know that there isn't a ghost of a chance of him ever succeeding. Little ones (i.e., "believers" – cf. Matt. 18:6) are just the antithesis of that sort of [EGO] (i.e., "Edge God Out") the Devil possesses; they are those who humbly BELIEVE, SUBMIT, and RELY on the power and ability of God and His Christ ALONE, and they put no confidence in their own strengths, abilities, and talents (cf. Ps. 28:7; Isa. 26:3; Matt. 19:26; Eph. 3:20; Phil. 3:2-7; 4:13; et al.)

"These [six] things doth the LORD hate: yea, [seven] (i.e., "sins that are characteristic of every unregenerate man or woman") are an [abomination] unto him: [A PROUD LOOK], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood . . ." (Proverbs 6:16-17)

"A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight. [When pride cometh, then cometh shame]: but with the lowly is wisdom." (Proverbs 11:1-2)

To the humble, spiritually bankrupt, submissive, and the broken and contrite ones, are those who are loved by the Lord; but to the egomaniacal with proud hearts and haughty spirits: they are detestable in the sight of God (cf. Prov. 6:16-17; 8:13; 16:5; 17:15; Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5). Humility is the fruit of a wise man or woman, and arrogance is characteristic of fools headed for destruction if not repented of. It's no wonder why many prayers often go unanswered: there is lack of forgiveness accompanied by pride, and an unforgiving heart is a dead giveaway of a rebellious person; because this is defiance of the direct Commands of our Lord, and in direct opposition to the very Nature of God -- who is the most forgiving, and grants it to the undeserved and poor in spirit (cf. Matt. 5:3; 6:14-15; Mk. 11:25; Lk. 6:37; Eph. 4:32; 1 Jn. 1:9).

"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" (James 2:5)

"And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:9-12)

Continued on the next post . . .
 

*Light*

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Here are a few examples of the consequences of Pride and defiance against the Almighty:

"That's one [small] step for [man] one [GIANT] leap for [MANKIND]."
"Not even God himself could sink this ship." (i.e., "THE TITANIC")

The moon landing was one "small" step for [man] -- but a "GIANT" leap for [MANKIND]. Do you see what's going on here? It is a [progression] of the [pride and arrogance] of the human race, who leaves God out of the picture. So God can't sink 52,310 tons of a bucket of steel? Several factors contributed to the sinking of this ship, and they are:

- An iceberg
- Failing to take heed of the warning signs
- Weak, or "low-grade" iron rivets
- Pride and Arrogance

God's Divine Providence was at work here; and He is in control of all things (e.g., "weather, the impeccable timing of the event, the Earth's climate in relation to the Sun, the redeemed and the condemned, etc."). God is not "obligated" to put on display His Omnipotence to His creation (e.g., "the human race") -- but He has; He already had done so in His work of Creation, and hopefully, past events which ended in disaster would serve as a reminder that man may learn a valuable lesson from his past mistakes (cf. Prov. 9:9; Lk. 17:28-33; 1 Cor. 10:5-7, 11; 1 Pet. 3:20; and ALL of Ecclesiastes).

"And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but [GOD KNOWETH YOUR HEARTS]: for that which is highly [esteemed among men] is [ABOMINATION IN THE SIGHT OF GOD]." (Luke 16:15)

Salvation is wrought by God alone through His Divine Accomplishment; while man is "centered" solely on "his" achievements. This is the result of the fall of man in the Paradise of God, when Pride, Covetousness, and Rebellion reared its ugly head in the form of a serpent, who stood on its hind legs. It is often that even well-meaning Christians are engulfed in this form of Pride akin to the first sin that entered into the human race; this takes its appearance in the overarching, self-willed desires of the unregenerate heart, and this why many will fight for their "freedom" -- this is the philosophy of man's [free-will].

I want to make this CRYSTAL CLEAR from the outset; I am NOT a Calvinist, and I have been accused and slandered by MANY "professing" Christians as being one solely on the basis of the word "predestination" -- which, by the way, is clearly taught in the Bible. My source of all Truth is the Inerrant and Infallible Word of God, and not some "dead" guy; nor am I too concerned about "reformed" theology. We must also understand that even false ideologies and doctrines surprisingly contain elements of "truth" in their teachings: Jehovah's Witnesses believe that The Devil governs this entire unbelieving world through his deceptions (cf. Jn. 12:31; 2 Cor. 4:3-4; Eph. 2:2; Rev. 12:9) -- and they are absolutely correct, but they have poisoned the well concerning the Testimony of Jesus Christ, and His claim to Deity (also a form of rebellion). All teachings are to be compared by juxtaposing the Absolute Truth of Holy Scripture with any competing view which may cast doubt on its hearers (cf. Matt. 7:15-18; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 2:15; 1 Jn. 4:1).

So what does it mean to be FREE?

"And ye shall know the truth, and [THE TRUTH] shall [MAKE YOU FREE]. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be [made free?] Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, [Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin]. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If [THE SON THEREFORE SHALL MAKE YOU FREE], ye shall [BE FREE] indeed." (John 8:32-36)

True Freedom is [dying] to [self], and to be made [alive in Christ] by surrendering our lives to His Lordship (Lk. 9:23; Rom. 6:1-4; Gal. 2:20; 5:24; 1 Pet. 2:24). There are many false teachers who are proponents of the health, wealth, and prosperity "gospel" -- and they are under the delusion that it is a "cop-out" to ask if it is [God's Will] to be healed from sickness, disease, physical impediments, etc., and this applies to any given time or situation; they accuse their brethren of "lacking faith" when they don't receive their healing. The problem with this line of reasoning is that the sinless Son of God Himself (God in the flesh) never opposed the Will of His Father, regardless of Him AGONIZING in the Garden of Gethsemane on what was to come ahead as the Sin-Bearer of those who would call upon Him in Faith.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for [THE JOY] that was set before him [ENDURED THE CROSS, DESPISING THE SHAME], and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

I have a 100% accuracy rate when it comes to answered prayers, why? Because I know the Will of God in my life, and it I have sought God with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind; however, it was ONLY when I fully submitted to His Sovereignty was I [given] the ability, strength, and determination to take that first step towards knowing Him in the most intimate manner. It actually bothers me to the point of extreme anger when my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ keep telling me that we will return with Christ to reign with Him for 1,000 years on Earth; I suppose it is because I don't see myself as worthy of being part of that event in the coming future – and indeed I am not. The hymn Amazing Grace keeps popping into my mind whenever someone brings that subject into a discussion, because NONE of us have "earned" anything given to us by the Triune God (Col. 3:4; 1 Thess.3:13; Jude 14; Rev. 19:11-16). Every [good] gift (i.e., "Free by God's Grace Alone") from God comes to those who humble themselves before Him; this includes answered prayers, spiritual gifts, and to understand and know God in the most intimate way as the Scripture reveals Him (cf. Prov. 11:2; Dan. 10:11-12; Rom. 12:3; Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5).

"And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless [NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE, BE DONE]." (Luke 22:40-42)

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be [THY] name, [THY] kingdom come, [THY WILL BE DONE] in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive out debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (i.e., "the evil one: the Devil/Satan"): For [THINE] is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13)

Continued next post . . .
 

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The Absolute Sovereignty of God is essential in the life of every Christian as cited in the passage above, and this is in stark contrast to the pompous words which originate from the dark heart of the Devil.

[THY] NAME (AMEN)
[THY] KINGDOM (AMEN)
[THY] WILL BE DONE (AMEN)
[THINE] IS THE KINGDOM (AMEN)

Now the passage cited below is the end result of Satan's utter defiance against Almighty God, and the Lordship of His Christ:

"[THY POMP IS BROUGHT DOWN TO THE GRAVE], and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, [I WILL] ascend into heaven, [I WILL] exalt my throne above the stars of God: [I WILL] sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: [I WILL] ascend above the heights of the clouds; [I WILL] be like the most High. Yet [THOU SHALT BE BROUGHT DOWN TO HELL], [TO THE SIDES OF THE PIT]. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, [IS THIS THE MAN] that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?" (Isaiah 14:11-17)

[I will] ascend into heaven (delusions of grandeur)
[I will] exalt my throne above [the stars of God]: angels, principalities, dominions, and powers (delusions of grandeur)
[I will] sit also upon the mount of the congregation (delusions of grandeur)
[I will] ascend above the heights of the clouds (delusions of grandeur)
[I will] be like the most high (ultra-delusions of grandeur)

And this will be the end result of the Devil's treachery and insurrection:

[THOU SHALT BE BROUGHT DOWN TO HELL], [TO THE SIDES OF THE PIT].

The doctrine of [free-will] has often been argued that if Salvation is all of God (i.e., "monergistic rather than synergistic"), then this removes man from having the ability to "choose" to reject or accept the Gospel of Salvation. The argument goes as such:

There are people trapped inside a burning building who are in danger of perishing (i.e., "those who are in need of being rescued") -- and the hero "chooses" to rescue only a few people, and leave the rest inside the building to burn, so that would be an injustice on the part of the hero, or a sin of omission if he fails to act upon it as an obligation (cf. Rom. 14:23; Jas. 4:17). There are several problems with this analogy of Salvation, which is solely of God, and God alone. Here are the problems:

- BOTH the hero and the ones who are in need of being rescued are NOT God (i.e., "they are ALL humans").
- There are no mediators between the hero and those who are in need of being rescued.
- BOTH the hero and those who are in need of being rescued are ALL sinners.
- God would be PERFECTLY Just and Righteous if He chose to [SAVE] only a few, or even all (i.e., "those who are trapped inside the burning building rightly deserve to be there"), because the penalty of sin is death; and there are NONE righteous or Good according to God's Perfect and Moral Standards (i.e., "NONE of those in the burning building are "worthy" of being rescued" -- cf. Gen. 2:17; Eccles. 7:20; Rom. 3:10-12, 23; Eph. 2:1-3).

The Doctrine of "Irresistible Grace" is viewed by MANY Christians as nullifying man's "right" to choose; thus making them mere "robots" without free-will. My question is, does anyone truly want free-will, and to [choose to reject] being [rescued] from the burning building? Would those who were rescued from the burning building question the hero by asking him that they had no "choice" in [deciding to be rescued] or not? would they consider themselves as robots?

"That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: [SHALL NOT THE JUDGE OF ALL THE EARTH DO RIGHT?] (Genesis 18:25)

Do you Truly want to exercise your "free-will" -- and be left inside that burning building because of your pride and self-worth? Does it bother you that you have no way to escape the burning building on your own? And that someone decided to rescue you from Death? Do you TRULY want "your" will to be done? How can Christ be your LORD if you are not willing to forfeit your will and follow after Him by denying yourself?

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but [HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF GOD] abideth for ever." (1 John 2:15-17)

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but [HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER] which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23)

"And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have [ONE SHEEP], and if it [FALL INTO A PIT] on the sabbath day, will he not [LAY HOLD ON IT, AND LIFT IT OUT]? How much then is a [MAN BETTER THAN A SHEEP?] Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days." (Matthew 12:11-12)

In the passage cited above, who does the rescuing? Does the sheep play any role in the rescue process? Who takes hold of who in this deliverance from peril? I find it absolutely STUNNING that any living creature with a conscience would choose to be trapped inside a burning building rather than to be rescued (i.e., "analogous of Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire"), and then complain that their "free-will" was VIOLATED after being rescued from certain death. Even more troubling are those who accuses the Good Shepherd who rescues His helpless sheep as comparable to "Divine rape" if they had no choice – so to choose to [SAVE] someone (i.e., "someone incapacitated" -- e.g., "stuck under piles of heavy debris") from a burning building without their consent is tantamount to Divine rape?

I watched a debate on man's free will with Matt Slick and Will Duffy; and Matt's opponent referred to the Doctrine of [Irresistible Grace] as "Irresistible Filth" -- can you believe this slander against the Creator who brought Mr. Duffy into existence? It's perfectly fine to rescue people who are trapped inside a burning building while they are COMPLETELY HELPLESS; and once they have been rescued from the danger of burning to death, they would most assuredly be forever grateful to the one who saved them, right? Well . . . apparently, this is NOT the case with MANY "professing" Christians. If God chooses to SAVE someone who is helpless and hopeless, and are in DANGER of spending Eternity in Hell and the Lake of Fire, this is somehow analogous to Irresistible "Filth"? Do you see what's going on here in the heart of this man? Do you see how "man" is exalted to a higher status than God Himself? Is this the right way to respond to God and Christ? Christ Suffered Divine Wrath on his behalf, and this is his gratitude towards his Savior? UNBELIEVABLE!!! Such a response is a red flag that those who feel this way about their SAVIOR may NOT be saved at all.

Continued on next post . . .
 

*Light*

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"And in [the fourth watch of the night] (i.e., "3am - 6am") Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, [Be of good cheer] (i.e., "take courage"); [IT IS I] (Grk. ego eimi; i.e., "The Eternal and Unchanging God"); [BE NOT AFRAID]. And Peter answered him and said, [LORD], [IF it be thou], bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, [HE WAS AFRAID]; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, [LORD, SAVE ME]. And [IMMEDIATELY] [JESUS STRETCHED FOR HIS HAND], and [CAUGHT HIM] (Grk. epelabeto -- aorist indicative in the middle voice; i.e., "Jesus was walking on the sea while He lifted Peter up when he was sinking"), and said unto him, [O THOU OF LITTLE FAITH, WHEREFORE DIDST THOU DOUBT]? And when they were come into the ship, [THE WIND CEASED]." (Matthew 14:25-32)

God is by Nature, the Savior of mankind, and in order to understand and know God, you must first understand His Immutable Attributes, especially when there are biblical passages that specifically attribute to Him as the Savior of all who call upon Him in Faith. Peter called Christ, LORD (i.e., "The God who is in absolute control of all things, and exercises ALL authority over all of Creation"); but at the same time he had lingering doubts as to whether this was absolutely True (e.g., "IF it be thou" -- i.e., The Lord Himself").

"Wherefore he is able also to [SAVE] them to the [UTTERMOST] (Grk. panteles; i.e., "completely") that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)

Even in the midst of his doubts, Jesus was able to save Peter from his impending doom. We must also understand that Peter was completely [helpless] (i.e., "he was sinking"), and it wasn't Peter who reached out and [took hold] of Jesus' hand; but it was the Lord Himself who [stretched forth HIS hand] and [took hold] of Peter. By the way, it takes tremendous strength and effort to lift someone up while they are sinking in water, especially at sea.

"And, BEHOLD, there was a woman which had [a spirit] of infirmity [eighteen] years, and was bowed together, and could [in no wise] (Grk. panteles; i.e., "completely") lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, [HE CALLED HER TO HIM], and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and [IMMEDIATELY] she was [MADE STRAIGHT], and [GLORIFIED GOD]." (Luke 13:11-13)

The theology of synergism, and its analogies (e.g., "a man stuck in a pit and [taking hold] of a rope lowered down to him to be rescued") does not work if we were to be CONSISTENT in our understanding of God's Nature as Savior and Lord as revealed in Holy Scripture; because in every instance, it was the Lord Himself who came to the help of those who were helpless:

- The [disabled] woman whom JESUS CALLED unto Him (Lk. 13:12).
- The [helpless] sheep stuck in a [pit] (Matt. 12:11-12).
- The Apostle Peter [sinking] to his [impending doom] (Mk. 14:30-31)

Again, the [disabled] woman [made straight] by the Lord was just that -- she was DISABLED, and she was completely helpless in her situation. Do you believe that God is able to COMPLETELY save you? Do you have doubts as to whether you can "lose" your Salvation? Do you nullify the Promises of God? Do you believe that God could "fail" in fulfilling His PROMISE that He will COMPLETE the [good work] He had already begun in you? (Phil. 1:6) If you TRULY believe that you were [made whole] in Christ, as the disabled woman was, are you Glorifying God as she did when she was made complete?

Who is the good Samaritan? The one who risks his LIFE to rescue someone trapped inside a burning building, or the one who leaves these men and women to perish in the flaming fires, and then goes on his merry way? But wait . . . those who were rescued did not exercise their free-will; so who's at fault here? By the way, there is NO LOVE involved in rape! PRIDE has blinded the minds of many, and sadly, even "professing" Christians.

I am 100% certain that everyone has heard of stories of rescue where an injured man or woman was completely immobilized, in a state of paralysis, and in a life and death situation; that if they were not transported immediately to an emergency room hospital, they would have most assuredly died. How much more important is the soul of a man or woman than the body? Would those whose lives were saved by EMT's while they were completely helpless whine and complain by responding, "You violated my free-will -- I had no choice whatsoever!." I find this absolutely appalling. God is in violation of taking your free-will away? This comes from those who were supposedly saved from the danger of Eternal Fire? This is even worse than those who spat on Jesus and smote Him on His face. Will you spit on the face of the One who saved you from Eternal Punishment, and Him who Sacrificed His Life as a ransom for many? This is the condition of most professing Christians today, and this is not too surprising, because the Bible warns of a coming Apostasy at the time of the End, and an increase of Hypocrisy. If you believe that God saving you from Eternal Fire when you were COMPLETELY Helpless, and this somehow violated your "free-will" and your ability to "choose" -- then it is almost guaranteed that you are NOT SAVED; because you have failed in your understanding of your spiritual condition before the Most Holy God.

Christian Apologist William Lane Craig said this concerning his testimony of his Salvation:

"I looked up into the night sky and said, [I FOUND] God, [I FOUND] God!"

Does this sound like boasting to you? What did Jesus Himself say?

"For the Son of man is come [TO SEEK] and [TO SAVE] that which was [LOST]." (Luke 19:10)

"For it is written, [I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE], and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (1 Corinthians 1:19-21)

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)

Continued next post . . .
 

*Light*

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"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a [discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart]." (Hebrews 4:12)

Man's pride has blinded and deceived him from seeing himself for who he truly is; a sinner from birth, and that his sins warrant Divine Retribution. This is why I am very concerned for self-professed Christians who exhibit no behavioral traits of someone who has TRULY been regenerated according to what the Scriptures teach (e.g., "Sunday only 'worship', little or no humility, loving only to those who love them, no victory over sin as a result of self-gratification, etc."). This type of pride needs to be crushed by the Spirit of God, and weighed on the scales of God's Righteous Standard – which is Moral Perfection – and he must examine himself, and understand that it is God ALONE who is Perfect and Holy; unlike any creature which He Himself brought into existence. When someone has this mindset as described in the analogies shown, it reveals their True spiritual condition (i.e., "pride lurks in their heart") -- and it is ONLY when the sinner confesses the brokenness of his wretched spirit, and his need for a Savior to rescue him from Hell and the Eternal Lake of Fire; he remains in his sin, and the ramifications are Eternal, because the Wrath of God will continue to abide on him (cf. Jn. 3:36; Rom. 1:18; 2:5; Col. 3:5-6; 2 Pet. 2:9).

"And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, [and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head], and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but [SHE HATH WASHED MY FEET WITH HER TEARS, AND WIPED THEM WITH THE HAIRS OF HER HEAD]. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but [TO WHOM LITTLE IS FORGIVEN, THE SAME LOVETH LITTLE]. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven." (Luke 7:36-50)

"For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While [they promise them liberty], they themselves are the [servants of corruption]: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he [brought in bondage]." (2 Peter 2:18-19)

Man is never "free" apart from the Life Giving [freedom] from God Alone; the unregenerate are only "free" to sin, and he/she enslaves themselves as a result of their pride (cf. Jn. 8:32-36; Rom. 1:21-25; 6:6; Gal. 5:1; 2 Pet. 2:18-19). Many are under the delusion they belong to the Family of God, when in fact they are still [in] this World and its system of deception with its soul corrupting lusts. The more worthy you see yourself, the less you see of God's Holiness, and professing Christians wonder why their prayers go unanswered (Isa. 59:2). As stated earlier, and by our Lord Himself; those who refuse to acknowledge their sins before God, and stubbornly reject and resist the Gospel Message of Grace and Salvation, and will not bow their knees before their Creator . . . they remain SLAVES to their sins – for sin is their MASTER, and it is only a matter of time before the door which is the Entrance to the Eternal Kingdom of God and Christ will be permanently barred (cf. Matt. 25:10-12; Lk. 13:25-27).

"[I AM] Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. [Blessed are they that do his commandments] (i.e., "those who have been cleansed by the Precious Blood of Christ"), that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For [WITHOUT] are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." (Revelation 22:13-15)

[I AM]

- Alpha and Omega (i.e., "God The Father")
- The Beginning and the End (i.e., "God The Son")
- The First and the Last (i.e., "The Holy Spirit of The Triune Godhead")

This is the Triune God of Holy Scripture in view here; and though the Eternal Attributes (i.e., "Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the End, The First and the Last") of God described in that verse are [distinct] from one another, they convey [the SAME Nature] of the [One Being] of [The Triune God] (i.e., "They are [One] in Essence"). Salvation and repentance is granted to the spiritually bankrupt, and to those who acknowledge their need of the Savior, Jesus Christ; and it is ONLY through His Perfect and Sinless Life as a man can anyone be reconciled to God.

"His lord said unto him, Well done, [good] (Grk. agathe) and [faithful] (Grk. piste) servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (Matthew 25:23)

"And, behold, one came and said unto him, [GOOD] (Grk. agathou) Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:16-17)

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are [TRUE] and [FAITHFUL] (Grk. pistoi)." (Revelation 21:4-5)

If you carefully notice, the words "good" and "faithful" in the Greek are [ascribed] to a [slave] of God and Christ (Matt. 25:23) – and the same Greek words are also used to describe God and Christ as [TRUE] and [FAITHFUL]. So my question is . . . who ALONE is TRULY GOOD AND FAITHFUL? It is ONLY by the Imputed Righteousness of Christ our Savior can we be considered "worthy" in the sight of the Most Holy God, and saved from the Divine Wrath to come; which will befall the proud, unrepentant sinners, hypocrites, and rejecters of God's Grace.

ONLY Jesus can set you FREE . . . Your will of God's Will be done?

God Bless!
 

101G

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GINOLJC, to all.
We are in the process of reading all of your posts, and would like to highlight some key factors. Not saying that you’re right or wrong, but consider what we’re about to say
#1. U said, “The source of all sin, including all lies and deception, first began in the heaven of heavens; where Lucifer's Pride of his high status (i.e., "which God Himself endowed him with") led to his banishment from the Eternal City”.
We must disagree with that assessment. And here’s why by scripture. Isaiah 14:12 "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Isaiah 14:13 "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Isaiah 14:14 "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Isaiah 14:15 "Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

From this passage we can clearly see that Lucifer was not physically in the heaven where God reside. For verse 13 clearly points this out. And verse 14 confirm this. Because the clouds are beneath the heavens of heavens where God is at. so for him to "ascend above the heights of the clouds", then he must be beneth the clouds in the sky here on earth. So fallen from heaven …. "is the sky", right here on planet earth. It is used metaphorically in RANK, or Higher or Lower. And here’s why we say this. some will say, well the angels left their first estate, we find this in Jude. "And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day”. Jude 1:6 (kjv).
Here estate is the same as in rank or Principality. Let’s see it.

Estate, according to Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary of American English. 1. In a general sense, fixedness; a fixed condition; now generally written and pronounced state. Example, “She cast us headlong from our high estate”. notice how “high” is used there. Now, definition #2. Condition or circumstances of any person or thing, whether high or low. The condition of a person, IN RANK. Hold that thought, because definition #3. bring it out clearly. definition #3. Rank; quality. THERE IT IS “RANK”. but lets see it clearly where it leaves no doubt. Colossians 1:16 "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him”.

Principality: G746 ἀρχή arche (ar-chee') n.
1. (properly abstract) a commencement.
2. (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank).
[from G756]
KJV: beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule
Root(s): G756

See how the KJV can translate Principality… “First Estate”, which as definition #2 above states, “RANK”. just as Jude wrote. So any “first estate” is not a heavenly place, but only in RANK, or condition.
So sin did not start in Heaven where God is at, no, the rebellion started right here on earth. which will lead us to Point #2. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus“. and get to the root cause of sin, or the recellion. And understand the roles of God and the angels, and us in this struggle with sin. and in so doing, examine how God himself came in flesh as a man to redeem man from the rebellion, or sin.

Looking to hear from you.

PICJAG.